Mishqah in Netflix series
YOU’VE seen her play Jodi Kandasamy in the hit South African movie Keeping Up with the Kandasamys and next, actress Mishqah Parthiephal, pictured, will play Priya Segha on the Canadian comedy series, The Indian Detective. The series, which was screened in Canada last month, will be out on Netflix on December 19.
Parthiephal plays an ambitious lawyer in the mini series about a Canadian detective, played by comedian Russell Peters, who travels to India to see his father.
On the way, he is accosted by Priya, who needs him to help her solve a few cases.
Parthiephal said the series was filmed in Mumbai (India), Toronto (Canada) and Cape Town and was filled with comedy and romance.
The Indian Detective also features veteran actor Anupam Kher, who plays the detective’s dad.
“I believe the series is going to be a real hit… It is filled with laughter and a little bit of romance. I play a lawyer who is ambitious and strongly connects to her religion and her country,” she said.
Among the South African cast is Durban North teenager Deepti Jal Singh.
DEEPTI Jal Singh always knew her big break would come but never imagined it would be alongside some of the world’s biggest names.
The Durban North teenager features in the Canadian comedy drama series The Indian Detective, which stars comedian Russell Peters and Indian veteran actor Anupam Kher.
The 18-year-old plays Seema, a powerful young woman, who fights for a better future for her community.
“Playing Seema meant I was representing those residing in the slums of India, not because they chose to but because of their circumstances.
“Seema has opened my heart to understanding the trials and tribulations faced by people, who are marginalised by society. “Everyone who watches is going to love her,” said Singh.
She said she was surprised when she landed the role after just one audition and, having grown as an actress, she is ready to make a career out of it.
“I always wanted to be an actress and my mom knew it. So last year, she sent my photos to some agents and I landed a role in a Nescafé advert and last December, with no acting experience, I auditioned for the series and was successful.”
Singh, who matriculated last year, said she was accepted to study medicine overseas, but opted to pursue acting instead.
Speaking on working with Peters, she said: “He is amazing, humble and humorous. He used to crack jokes on set, which allowed us to feel comfortable in some situations.”
She described Kher as pleasant, down-to-earth and humble.
Singh, who was home-schooled since Grade 4, said her parents, Kereeshma and Avesh, and brother, Pranav, were her biggest supporters and pushed her to be the best version of herself.
Although the industry is challenging, she believes she has what it takes to succeed.
“There will be challenges but I am up for it. This experience has been phenomenal and I have grown as an actress.”
She is preparing for a new project in Mumbai but declined to reveal anything further.
Fellow South Africans that feature in the series include Mishqah Parthiephal and Pranesh Maharaj.
The series was filmed in Cape Town, Mumbai (India) and Toronto (Canada) and will be screened on Netflix on December 19.